Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Raises Alarm Over Delays in Defence Projects, Calls Operation Sindoor a National Victory

In a powerful and candid address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed deep concern over persistent delays in India’s defence acquisition projects, stating that not a single initiative has been completed on time. Speaking at the CII Business Summit, he underscored the urgent need for accountability and realism in defence procurement timelines, questioning why commitments are made when there’s no certainty of delivery.

His comments, notably his first public statement since the intense four-day military face-off between India and Pakistan earlier this month, reflect the growing frustration within the Indian Air Force. The Air Chief lauded Operation Sindoor as a “national victory” and emphasized that the mission’s success demonstrated the strength of a whole-of-nation approach. The operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, saw the IAF lead precision strikes that destroyed nine terrorist infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir on May 7.

Air Chief Marshal Singh did not name specific projects but highlighted the long-standing issue of missed deadlines—an apparent reference to delays in the production of Tejas fighter jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. He stressed that signing contracts with unrealistic deadlines only leads to systemic inefficiencies, vitiating the process and undermining operational readiness.

He also highlighted the transformational impact of Operation Sindoor, saying it offered the armed forces a clear view of future needs and strategic direction. According to him, military modernization must now move from ambition to execution, supported by a mission-mode mindset that aligns the efforts of all stakeholders—armed forces, public and private industry, and research organizations like DRDO.

While praising recent moves by the government, such as the approval of the execution model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Singh acknowledged that India’s private sector now has a much greater role to play in defence manufacturing. He welcomed this shift as a sign of confidence in Indian industry and a major milestone in the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The Air Chief didn’t shy away from acknowledging past skepticism within the defence forces regarding the capabilities of domestic manufacturers. However, he noted that the industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, and recent global dynamics have only strengthened the case for self-reliance.

Reinforcing the importance of trust, Singh said the bond between the military and its industrial partners must be based on openness and integrity. “In the armed forces, trust is our default setting. We don’t build it over time—it’s there from the very first mission,” he said. Drawing a parallel to a chain, he cautioned that each stakeholder must ensure they are not the weak link that could jeopardize national security.

Calling for swift action to bridge gaps in current capabilities, the IAF chief urged for rapid execution of Make in India programs. He emphasized that while long-term design and innovation remain critical, India must also focus on short-term readiness. “What is required today is required today,” he said, urging all sectors to work together without delay.

In a message that blended realism with resolve, Air Chief Marshal Singh made it clear that India’s path to future military strength lies not just in advanced technology but in timely execution, mutual trust, and unwavering national commitment.